We're all about Gathering Greatness and
Creating Unforgettable Experiences That Leave a Lasting Impact on People and the Planet
Born out of a passion for creating experiences that leave a lasting impact, Green Gather Events is a one-of-a-kind corporate event planning company that cares about people and the planet. Our unique approach to event planning and production, company culture, and team-building is rooted in our deep desire to make a difference—in people's lives, in the way we work, and for the sake of the environment.
We call it “Gathering Greatness”—an all-encompassing term that captures our mission to deliver meaningful,
unforgettable experiences that go above and beyond, bring people together, and leave them even better. It’s about building connections, inspiring creativity, and fostering a sense of belonging, growth, and expansion,
while honoring and embracing individuality.
We cater to a wide range of events, including leadership and team retreats, culture- and team-building events,
conferences, corporate gatherings, and themed parties, each one tailored to reflect our client’s vision while
upholding our dedication to environmental sustainability. When you choose Green Gather Events, you choose so much more than an event company—you commit to doing better for your people, your organization, and the planet. You commit to Gathering Greatness.
Our Focus is on Being Green
1
Eco-Friendly Decor
We use sustainable materials, such as reusable, refurbished, recycled, and natural elements.
2
Green Catering
We've curated partnerships with caterers who provide organic, locally-sourced, and vegan options. Many of these are farm-to-table local catering food options to help support our community and small businesses.
3
Sustainable Venues
We partner with venues that uphold green practices, green certifications, well certifications, and or sustainable practices to host your gathering.
Zero-Waste Initiatives
We've implemented waste reduction strategies in our business such as recycling, and composting options.
4
Low-Waste Event Design
We approach event design with a conscious and strategic approach to all aspects of planning to keep our carbon footprint as small as possible.
5
Meet Our
Founder
Hello, I'm Paola, and I've been told I know how to throw a party. In fact, nothing lights me up more than to bring people together and leave them feeling better than I found them. A passionate connector, I’m driven by making people feel seen and their voices heard—a trait that’s deeply rooted in my upbringing as a female Latina on the north side of Chicago.
The middle child of three girls in a Mexican-American family, I am a natural caregiver and peacemaker—loyal, empathetic, nurturing, with strong social skills and a whole lot of independence. The natural desire to care for others coupled with my high-achieving work ethic landed me a high-stakes career as Chief of Staff / Executive Assistant to some of Chicago’s highest net-worth individuals, including a genius of a man whom I worked alongside for 13 years - he is my greatest mentor. These roles demanded excellence with zero tolerance for mistakes, and opened my eyes to another world—it stretched me to think bigger and challenged me to continuously show up with grace under pressure.
Now, with 15+ years of strategic leadership experience, including event orchestration, people and project management, and organizational effectiveness support, I feel perfectly poised for my next endeavor: founding and leading Green Gather Events, a one-of-a-kind event planning and production company that cares about people and the planet.
Learn More About the
Services We Offer
At Green Gather Events, we offer a diverse range of services designed to bring your team closer together while embracing sustainable practices. Our events are thoughtfully crafted to not only achieve your goals, but also to leave a positive impact on the environment.
Leadership
Team Retreats
Our leadership retreats are designed to inspire and unite your executive team. We create immersive experiences that foster strategic thinking, collaboration, and innovation, all within eco-friendly venues that align with our commitment to sustainability.
Operation
Team Retreats
For your operations team, we offer retreats that focus on enhancing efficiency, communication, and teamwork. These retreats are carefully planned to include activities that promote problem-solving and operational excellence, all while reducing our environmental footprint.
Summer Team Building Events
Our Signature Ridiculympics team-building summer events are the perfect way to energize your team and build stronger bonds in a fun and relaxed setting. From outdoor activities to sustainable picnics, we create events that celebrate the season while prioritizing eco-conscious practices.
End-of-Year Holiday Events
Celebrate the year's successes with our end-of-year holiday events. We design festive gatherings that reflect the spirit of the season, incorporating sustainable décor, locally sourced catering, and activities that bring your team together in meaningful ways.
Fund Raising, Conferences & Gala Events
Our signature green gala fundraising events offer an unforgettable evening of elegance and purpose, tailored to bring communities together in support of meaningful causes. With sustainable décor, locally-sourced gourmet cuisine, and eco-friendly practices woven into every detail, we create an atmosphere that reflects both sophistication and commitment to the environment. This is more than an event; it’s a celebration of impact, connection, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
Meet Our
Team
Zalia Ariana Perez
Junior Sustainability Partner Liaison
Hey y’all! I’m Zalia Ariana, a student at St. Ignatius College Prep, where I’m preparing to set the world on fire! Fun fact: I’m quad-lingual in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and sign language. Cool, right?! I’m super into tennis and running, but I’m also really passionate about saving turtles.
It all started after a trip to Clearwater, Florida, where I learned about the harmful impact of plastic straws have on the environment. From that moment, I made it my mission to make small changes—like choosing eco-friendly products and, of course, banning straws!
Right now, I’m taking AP Environmental Science, where I’m learning how to really make a difference. I’m beyond excited to be part of Green Gather Events because it aligns perfectly with my mission. I want to raise awareness among my peers, build partnerships between schools and organizations, and educate young people on how we can all practice low-footprint sustainability.
Oh, and when I’m not saving the planet, you’ll find me hanging out with friends, going to concerts, playing tennis, or vibing at the Logan Square Farmers Market. Most importantly, just being me!
It's Time to
Book the Perfect Event
We Partner With Like-Minded Businesses
How to
Get in Touch With Us
